Can I remove excess butyl tape

[Cheeky Girl]

Hi
Recently sorted a leak in the cabin window by taking out the whole window and resealing with brown butyl tape. NO white available at the time.

The excess was squeezed out and I safely remove this using a sharp knife?
Thanks

 

[LittleSister]

Yes.

 

[Sandy]

Yes

 

[AngusMcDoon]

A rounded tip blade is less likely to cut into the gelcoat underneath...

STANLEY® 1992 Rounded Tip Safety Utility Blade (Pack Of 10) | STANLEY

 

[Porthandbuoy]

It helps if you wipe a smear of oil over the surplus tape. Stops the blade sticking and you get a much cleaner cut.

 

[MoodySabre]

Let it dry for a day before using a blade and it will cut cleanly.

 

[Derek ide]

Do not use a metal blade as you will cut the gel coat. Use a sharp piece of plastic such as the type of spreader used for plastic padding. Keep a sharpish edge on it with a file or a sharp blade.
You will need to tighten the fastenings and re-trim the surplus in a few months time.

 

[Metalicmike]

I used butyl tape to bond new windows to the hull, a week later the starboard window sagged due to direct sunlight and I had to re fit them. After a lot of research I used Bostik Simson ISR 70-08 AP and have been very pleased with the results.

 

[Tranona]

I used butyl tape to bond new windows to the hull, a week later the starboard window sagged due to direct sunlight and I had to re fit them. After a lot of research I used Bostik Simson ISR 70-08 AP and have been very pleased with the results.

Hardly surprising as butyl tape is for sealing, not an adhesive.

 

[Boathook]

Do not use a metal blade as you will cut the gel coat. Use a sharp piece of plastic such as the type of spreader used for plastic padding. Keep a sharpish edge on it with a file or a sharp blade.
You will need to tighten the fastenings and re-trim the surplus in a few months time.

I used a Stanley blade years ago to trim round a fitting and even though gentle still see the blade marks.

The OP might get away with using a dinner knife but no real pressure on it.

 

[pmagowan]

I always use a bone handled dinner knife because they are easy to find although sometimes come with a telling off. It doesn't, in my experience, require significant force, so I wouldn't be concerned about the substrate unless using something sharp.

 

[stephen_h]

Use masking tape